The 2008 Atlantic Avenue ArtWalk celebrates its fifth anniversary by showcasing more than 200 artists in an interactive and participatory celebration of art along Brooklyn’s Atlantic Avenue, June 7-8 from 1-6 p.m. each day.
ArtWalk08’s theme is audience participation — making art accessible to all by giving attendees a rare glimpse into the artist’s workspace and creative process and sneak peaks of many innovative, exciting and monumental new projects. The free event brings art to the streets, offering art lovers a genuine opportunity to learn about artists whose work they admire from the artists themselves through interactive workshops, open studio tours, public art projects, special events and in some cases, actually playing a role in the making of works of art.
In partnership with BWAC Open Studio tours the same weekend, visitors can view the work of over 500 artists — all for free.
A few highlights of ArtWalk08 include:
· Artlog (www.artlog.com): A social community website dedicated to connecting people through art invites artists to participate in ArtWalk08 by submitting their work online, to be curated by Artlog.
· Cannonball Press Affordable Art Show: Founder of the highly popular, “Prints Gone Wild” event, Cannonball Press have presented their work everywhere from the Oppikoppi Music Festival in South Africa to the PopRally at The Museum of Modern Art in NYC. They debut their new print show at ArtWalk 08 featuring high quality, fine-art editions of original work starting at only $20 by over 50 artists such as Sean Star Wars, David Rees, David Ellis, Maya Hayuk, and Swoon.
· Mike Houston and Martin Mazorra: Collaborative Duo and Master Printer will present live woodcut demonstrations and an exhibition of new large-scale 25” x 12” mural banners created from this process — similar works have recently been on display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and other galleries.
· Brooklyn Music Wide Open Presented by Connection Works: A series of music presentations, workshops and performances that encourage young people, families and aspiring musicians to experience the making of music — with nightly performances that showcase diverse musical styles through performance and discussion.
· Debut of Chris Piazza’s Monumental New Work: The premiere of ArtWalk favorite and art world darling, Chris Piazza’s yearlong production of Saint Peter – The Thirteenth Apostle. Known for her large sculptures of figures inside elaborate display boxes, the figure of Saint Peter stands inside a 20 foot tall tower of seashells and “Pique-assiette,” broken dish mosaic and is scheduled for exhibition in 2009 at The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine, in Manhattan. Attendees are encouraged to contribute their dishes to the production of this work of art, accompanied by the name of the giver, including the story behind the dish, written down on a piece of paper that will be placed within the hollow chamber of the tower.
· ArtWalk08 “Restaurant Week”end! featuring live music: More than 30 local restaurants and bars offer attendees special promotions and pricing and live music lineups, featuring everything from rock and acoustic to DJ sets, Jazz and even an improvisational 20-piece orchestra.
Maps, guides and artist biographies will direct participants through the tour’s sculptures, watercolors, photography, digital media, textiles and performance art. Art stars, local historians and well-known locals will also publish original tours, in conjunction with the ArtWalk, for audiences to have an insider view on favorite spots and their secret finds to explore along the tour route.
Other programming will include live music, film, vibrant public art projects, and activities for families and children of all ages. Attendees can view and buy work, meet the artists and sample the Avenue’s restaurants, shops and bars at their own pace.
Held along the cultural corridor of Atlantic Avenue spanning Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill and Downtown Brooklyn, ArtWalk and its events are free to the public. For more, visit www.artwalk08.com.
